I've found from being around both Canon & Nikon DSLRs in studio conditions that the Canon's tend to have a slightly better auto white balance (good thing if you're a beginner). I bought a D10 years ago when they first came out and am still thrilled with the quality.
Go to a good camera store and take a look at both of them. Both should have easy to use settings where you'd don't have to mess with the f-stop/shutter speed until you're ready. People tend to be either Canon or Nikon. B&H probably has about the best prices
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/. Keep in mind it's not all about megapixels. The size of the sensor has a lot to do with your picture quality more so than mp.
+1 on the photography degree I do nothing with
